Sunday, November 6, 2011

Halloween down, Thanksgiving and Christmas to go....

When did Halloween become such a to-do?? It seemed like we were attending Fall Festivals and Halloween parties for weeks prior to the actual trick-or-treat extravaganza.  Despite the over extended schedule we all had a great Halloween. Jillian was the Wicked Witch of the West and Madie was Dorothy. Jillian loved the idea of getting to "get" her little sister. They both were super cute.

The week leading up to Halloween Mimi and Papa Tom visited and we had a great time with them. They were both able to attend Jillian's school Halloween party along with Josh, Madie and me. Dad broke out his story telling skills and read to her class. The kids loved it and it reminded me of when he used to read to my elementary classes every Friday. The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing. Josh and I spent lots of time sleeping in which we were very thankful for.....doesn't happen much here. Mimi and Papa Tom took over the children and Josh and I became about as lazy as possible. (-:

Unfortunately we had to snap back to reality on Sunday when Mom and Dad headed back to KC.  Monday night we went trick or treating with some neighborhood friends. We had a 4 wheeler pulling a small trailer. The girls looked like "big stuff" on their make shift carriage. Jillian being a pro went from house to house. Madie was very hesitant at first and then realized there was candy at each door. She didn't walk the rest of the night... she ran as fast as she could.

We have added a new addition to the family. Her name is Daphne Ratatouille and she is a gray hamster. I won her at Jillian's school auction. It was a silent auction and I bid on a bunch of stuff just to bid.....well I've learned my lesson on that technique. If you bid on a hamster....you'd better want that hamster. (-:  Needless to say Daphne has escaped since she has arrived at our home and caused a full day hunt for her. We found her and Mommy now knows to double check all doors on the hamster cage frequently. (-:

As for this week we don't have alot planned. Jillian has a girl scout meeting Thursday, church Wednesday night and Josh has football practice tomorrow night....that reminds me, if I haven't already told you Josh is coaching 5th grade flag football.  They had their first game Saturday. It was a rough one, but Josh did great staying positive for the kids.  Some of them really need that encouragement.  On top of it all two of the kids on his team are twins and their Dad passed away unexpectedly last week.  So he is dealing with alot with this team.  The girls and I were the best cheerleaders we could be but truth be told Josh needs prayers. He is dealing with kids suffering from loss and some under priveledged kids.  Just pray he is able to rise to the challenge and be a positive role model that they may need right now.

Last but not least Jillian has exciting news. She has decided to welcome Jesus "into her heart." She has been very interested about being odedient and likes the idea of God as our heavenly Father and says "Jesus made sacrifices for us so I will be good for Him."  She may ask you about your relationship with Jesus so be ready. She has had me on my toes lately.  She is a smart girl and is really asking alot of questions and making sure she gets answers. I am really proud of her. It is very rewarding to see her blossoming into such an awesome girl.  Baptism is the next step somewhere down the road and we will make sure everyone is involved and will throw a big party for that for sure.
Well that is all for now! 

Love,
Jess
 Jillian at a recent birthday party-they had farm animals. So cute.
 Madie taking her turn on the pony.
 She was one spooky witch!
 Jillian was ready to say, "I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too." Ha.
 Our trick or treating crew.
 Loading up and getting ready to take off.
After hitting up alot of houses they were into the candy.